Photo Gadgets: How To Use a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent
It seems there are a million photo gadgets for the professional or the recreational photographer these days. Having just picked up the shutter ‘bug’ a year ago and having become addicted to taking my own digital images, I’ve browsed for quite a few things to enhance my photography skills.
One particular aspect of digital photography that I noticed was that many images are crystal clear in terms of background distractions and the light seems to be perfect. I was curious enough to start investigating how to achieve these effects for my own digital pictures.
On researching a bit, I discovered in the vast sea of photo gadgets one that would forever change my photography technique. This will not apply for every kind of photography of course, but it does suit for stills.
Let’s explore how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent and how having one of these photo gadgets can really enhance your photography skills, whether digital or regular!
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Source: Wikipedia
Photo Gadgets – Using a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent
I didn’t really know that these tools existed until I started doing a little research. I found numerous kinds on-line and really lucked out when I saw a professional set of 2 light boxes that came with a carrying case, a heavy duty tripod, and 2 professional lights for one-third of the original price. It was too good a deal to pass up.
24″ Photo Photography Tent Shooting Box Softbox Studio Kit Set with Light/Tripod
Current Bid: $33.18
New 100w Photo Studio 16″ Photography Lighting Tent Kit Backdrop Cube In A Box
Current Bid: $36.90
NEW PHOTO STUDIO TENT PHOTOGRAPHY CUBE BOX LIGHT KIT
Current Bid: $32.00
16″ 40x40cm Photo Studio Shooting Tent Light Cube Box SoftBox Kit+4 Backdrops
Current Bid: $11.70
Photo Studio 24″ Photography Light Tent Backdrop Kit 60cm Cube Lighting In A Box
Current Bid: $41.00
Since my purchase, I’ve been experimenting with the light boxes and
the different backgrounds. I am still just a novice but I think with
more practice, these light boxes will be a great photo gadget to have in my tool kit when it comes to digital photography.
What Does a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent Do?
Assures even lighting so not too dark and not too bright
Harsh direct light most often does not make for great photos – digital or regular
A photo light box or photo light box tent allows you to photograph small objects like jewelry
Minimizes or eliminates glare because it is in a contained area with no reflections
Photo light boxes and photo light box tents are portable
They can be expanded and then stored flat for later use
Using a photo light box or a photo light box tent eliminates outside objects from photo
Lighting is changeable – you can add light or take it away or you can move it wherever it is more appropriate
You can change background colors and textures using a photo light box or photo light box tent using whatever background and color most enhances the object you are shooting
Great Links on Photo Light Boxes and How to Make Your Own
Make Your Own Light Tent for Better Photos | DoItYourself.com
There comes a time when every photographer will need to take close up photos of items and products in a controlled environment.
How to Make An Inexpensive Light Tent DIY
How to Build a Cheap and Simple Light Tent for Product Photography | Light Stalking
Photo by Sharp Sh00ter Product photography can be fun and challenging, it can also be very profitable. The need to photograph small objects well can lend
Making Your Own Photo Light Box
There are several websites explaining about photo light boxes and how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent.
Making your own photo light box is also very easy and there are several great resources to use to make your own. Most light boxes can be made for under $10!
All You Need To Make Your Own Photo Light Box
Cardboard box
Craft knife
Masking tape or packing tape
White fabric or paper
Different fabrics or different color papers for other backgrounds if desired
Poster board in white or other colors
Tissue paper if desired
Lighting source (optional)
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all photos by Audrey Kirchner
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in the light box
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regular
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in light box
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regular
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in light box
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regular
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different colored liners
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light
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large tent
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small tent
Things to Photograph in a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent
There are many things you can shoot using your photo light box or photo light box tent. Here are some of my ideas:
Food shots for recipes
Stuffed animals or toys
Flowers
Figurines
Jewelry
Ingredients for recipes
Components or objects you want to highlight
Books
CD’s
Computers
Wine glasses or other tableware
Place settings
Anything that will fit inside the photo light box or photo light box tent!
By making your own photo light box, you can leave one side completely open so that you can just set the box over an object rather than placing the object inside. You will still have the benefit of the background and lighting, filtering of glare, outside distracting objects, etc., but you have the option then of fitting the box over the object if it is unmovable – or you just want a different shot.
Photo Gadgets – How to Use a Photo Light Box or a Photo Light Box Tent
If you’re a budding photographer or you know someone who loves to take pictures, a photo light box or a photo light box tent is a great investment, whether you buy it already made (which is easier of course) or you make it yourself (still very doable and easily constructed).
There are all different sizes and textures of photo light boxes and tents and many different backgrounds and fabrics as well.
The set that I bought came with 4 inserts plus a ‘sleeve’ type of covering in white for each of the 2 photo light boxes, 1 large and 1 small.
Each background fabric piece for the photo light box (red, blue, white and black) has a smooth surface and each has a velvet surface. Depending on what you want your look to be in the photo, you can select the appropriate background surface and color.
The background pieces attach by Velcro and the photo light boxes or light box tents can be turned many different ways. They can be lit from the side or from behind or above with any number of light sources.
See the videos for more ideas on how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent.
Check one out and see if you don’t think that a photo light box or a photo light box tent is a great photo gadget!
CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box – 1 Tent, 2 Light Set, 1 Stand, 1 Case
Amazon Price: $38.95
List Price: $47.99
Idirectmart Photo Tent Table Top Studio Light Photography Soft Box Kit – Size 19.5-Inch Cube
Amazon Price: $26.49
XPRO 36 inchx36 inch Studio Photography Light Tent – Dome – Cube – Box
Amazon Price: $65.99
SP200 Photo Studio In a Box
Amazon Price: $41.95
List Price: $149.95
Square Perfect SP500 Platinum Photo Studio In A Box with 2 Light Tents & 8 Backgrounds For Product Photography
Amazon Price: $94.95
List Price: $349.95
CowboyStudio 30-Inch Photo Soft Box Light – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $17.99
List Price: $42.99
CowboyStudio 24in Photo Soft Box Light Tent – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $9.00
List Price: $33.99
Electric Avenue 82-55614 Deluxe Table Top Photo Studio Photo Light Box
Amazon Price: $31.99
List Price: $84.99
CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box – 1 Tent, 2 Light Set, 1 Stand, 1 Case
Amazon Price: $38.95
List Price: $47.99
Idirectmart Photo Tent Table Top Studio Light Photography Soft Box Kit – Size 19.5-Inch Cube
Amazon Price: $26.49
Square Perfect SP500 Platinum Photo Studio In A Box with 2 Light Tents & 8 Backgrounds For Product Photography
Amazon Price: $94.95
List Price: $349.95
CowboyStudio 24in Photo Soft Box Light Tent – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $9.00
List Price: $33.99
16″ 40x40cm Photo Studio Shooting Tent Light Cube Box Softbox Kit+4 Backdrops
Amazon Price: $11.55
CowboyStudio 40-Inch Photo Soft Box Light Tent with 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $49.99
CowboyStudio 30-Inch Photo Soft Box Light – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $17.99
List Price: $42.99
CowboyStudio 12-Inch Product Photography Soft Box/Light Tent Cube with 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $11.41
List Price: $19.99
How to Fold a Photo Light Box
How to Use 2 Side Lights with a Round Photo Light Box Tent
Using Photo Light Boxes or Photo Light Box Tents
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Taking Photos Like a Pro
Amazon Price: $11.92
List Price: $21.99
The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression
Amazon Price: $25.07
List Price: $44.95
The Digital Photography Book
Amazon Price: $12.95
List Price: $24.99
Extraordinary Everyday Photography: Awaken Your Vision to Create Stunning Images Wherever You Are
Amazon Price: $13.99
List Price: $25.99
Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
Amazon Price: $12.50
List Price: $25.99
BetterPhoto Basics
Amazon Price: $21.99
Photography Business Secrets: The Savvy Photographer’s Guide to Sales, Marketing, and More
Amazon Price: $12.12
List Price: $34.99
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